Francesca has been creating jewelry for over 30 years and creating ‘stuff’ since she was 16. Previously a clothing designer, she has always collected interesting stones and pearls and has a particular love of turquoise, as those who wear her jewelry will attest. Her work is characterized by a sense of adventure and exploration and inspired by nature, love and people. This comes from her love of imagining the lives of those who wear her work. As an artist her biggest challenge is finding the connection. So far, she loves sharing her journey with the women who are lucky enough to wear her jewelry made from beautiful materials.

Excerpts from podcast:

1. I have been so blessed with opportunity and by being in the right place at the right time. It’s important to recognize that this is not true for everyone.
2. You spoke about how challenging it was for you as a single parent and that is absolutely correct. I always worked part time, but was fortunate to have partners where I could do that, and where I didn’t get confused about trying to monetize the art - whatever form that took. Sometimes I get paid to be a creative consultant. Sometimes I made stuff and found a way to sell it - and a lot of that was by being in the right place and moving with it.
3. I really dislike the lack of distinction between making art and “being successful” about it. It seems really important to come to terms with- and this is ongoing - about what success means. Art is hard work - not always, but enough of the time that it’s important to recognize what it takes.
4. Maybe the real expense is the outlay of energy it requires.Thinking it up, refining the idea, exploring the idea, testing it in the process of making it, and then figuring out what to do with it all takes energy.Marketing and selling takes a lot of work!
5. I think people have done a huge disservice by not recognizing this. Also - a lot of art is not really viable commercially - either for money or for recognition.If you are stuck following those things, you miss the opportunity to think up and make art.
6. What is my advice? Only I can say what’s worked for me-Cultivate a quiet brain—Find a passion—Pursue it for its own sake - the questions about monetizing it or getting recognition from it are separate. If they are what is really important to you, figure out how to get those things--It may never be a package deal - sometimes you get bits of things
7. I don’t have just one message for a brand.—My hope is that people may get interested in something I put out there and it sparks a conversation. —I’m always looking for good connections.—I hope my message is ultimately one of love.
8. Love yourself, love the ideas, love the time to make things or not, love it if you connect with someone else in love. Especially love it if you help them move through their lives a little bit better.

To connect with Francesca follow her on Instagram @flkjewelry.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Alex Mangini is OBSESSED. She’s a social media consultant who manages a dental practice full-time. She just turned 60 and looks 40! Learn how Alex developed a lucrative side biz while working full time in a different field and how she’s maintained her youthful appearance.

• Alex is a twin. Her brother always excelled at everything while she believed she felt short.
• Majored in communications/journalism. Developed a passion for medicine and cures after her second son was born prematurely.
• “I was obsessed w his health, prior to the internet. Happened in my late 20s. I was a stay at home mom while my sons were young. When they were in school, I went back to work. I always wanted to make my own money.”
• 17 years managing dental practice. Started promoting on social media. Have 15 clients who were all referrals. She is self taught. Learned on Google, You Tube, all trial and error.
• Alex tries to make social media user friendly. Unique posts. Very interactive with her clients.
• At 60 she loves technology and learning new things and is a self proclaimed social media addict.
• Alex firmly believes in any facial or body rejuvenation and plastic surgery that helps people feel better about themselves.
• “Plastic surgery provides instant results. Do your research.There are affordable solutions. It’s all about taking care of ourselves.”
• Her secret to staying young is peels, lasers, vitamins for skin, healthy lifestyle, use moisturizing cream at night, what you put in your body, exercise regimen.
• Learn about Winston her dog and his instagram page @Winston_thecav. Over 16k followers, an influencer and earns money. He’s a superstar.
• Alex is Mimi to two grandchildren, Hailey and Blake and baby Jack due in September.
• “Don’t be afraid to try something new. Focus on you.”
• “If you don’t know it, Google it”
• “Don’t sleep your life away.”
• “Be open to making new relationships later in life.”

Contact Alex by calling 914.907.6763 or email at manginimedia@gmail.com

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Michelle Kowalski is a NY state certified nutritionist and registered dietitian with over 30 years of experience in the field. Michelle will teach you how to eat just right so you can fit into your favorite jeans again without going on a fad diet.

• Michelle’s aunt and uncle who lived into their 90s, ate well, walked every day, no medications served as her role models. Saw you had the ability to heal yourself.
• In her teens, Michelle was overweight and went on fad diets. Borderline anorexic. She studied nutrition in college. She learned how food can fuel her. Transferred the eating challenges she had to helping others
• “I have to respect my body to age well. I do something everyday. I do it for my health.”
• If you want to lose 40 lbs, she’ll ask what are your goals? Are you getting the right nourishment to heal your body.
• These fad diets don’t work. They’re a tease. You may lose one pound a day but the processed foods don’t transition to real foods and can gain back the weight plus more. Have an awareness of what you’re eating. Read food labels.
• You can always make something work. She’s seen close to 5k clients for weight loss and nutrition counseling in 23 years and has a great success rate. She educates and operates as a support system. “If you listen to what I say, you’ll have an 80 to 100% success rate.“
• Manage the portion size. Binging leads to poor mental behavior.
• If you want to have pizza, eat a salad before and take some fiber to fill you up. Positive eating vs shameful eating. Do NOT eat processed foods.
• If you have a craving and do 100 jumping jacks, that craving will subside. One treat a day that you can look forward to.
• Hear what she says about Ozempic. There are a lot of unknowns. Make sure you’re under the care of a doctor or coach.
• Learn about her coaching biz, one on one coaching, maintenance program.

How have you changed?

• I’m a more compassionate soul. If I can guide someone, it’s not about me, you did the work.

What do you recommend to women looking for a change?

• Set good fundamental goals
• Don’t beat yourself up.
• Have some self compassion and self care for yourself

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.